Half-day sidecar excursion to the landing beaches

Your Gentleman sider (Guide/driver) will meet you with his retro sidecar at the pick-up location chosen by you, or at the Bayeux tourist office, or at the Bayeux bus station. He will help you equip yourself with helmets, gloves and retro glasses, to finally settle in. There will of course be stops along the way to take breaks and take pictures.

Your pilot will take you to Arromanches-les-Bains. It was on this beach that, during the Battle of Normandy, immediately after D-Day on June 6, 1944, the Allies established Port Mulberry B, a temporary artificial port to allow the landing of heavy equipment, without waiting for the conquest. deep-water ports, such as those of Le Havre or Cherbourg (Cherbourg-en-Cotentin since 2016). Although located in the center of the Gold Beach landing zone, Arromanches was spared the bulk of the fighting on D-Day. In order to allow the installation of a port and its proper functioning as quickly as possible, it was not necessary to degrade the beach and preserve the surrounding communication routes. The English troops therefore landed further east, between Asnelles and Ver-sur-mer, and liberated Arromanches by land on the evening of June 6. The port was therefore put into service on June 14.

The Longues-sur-Mer battery is one of the Atlantic Wall's range of firing batteries, located on the coastal town of Longues-sur-Mer in Calvados. The site consisted of four 150-mm long-range marine guns, each protected by a reinforced concrete pillbox, and various facilities for serving and defending them. Located in the Allied landing zone in Normandy, between the beaches of Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, the battery was subjected to intense aerial and naval bombardment preventing it from fully entering into action on D-Day and was taken as soon as possible. the next day by British troops. Listed as a Historic Monument, it is in a good state of conservation. The site is landscaped and has become a frequent crossing point during visits to the landing sites.

*Note: This step can be excluded if your guide feels there is not enough time.* Liberated on June 8, 1944 by the 47th Royal Marines Commando, during Operation Overlord, Port-en-Bessin became the network head of a pipeline system of approximately 120 km intended to supply the Allied armies on June 16. in fuel. At the end of August 1944, this system was completed by Operation PLUTO, which saw the laying of oil pipelines between the Isle of Wight and Querqueville near Cherbourg.

*Note: This step can be excluded if your guide feels there is not enough time.* Omaha Beach remains one of the most iconic D-Day landing sites, holding undeniable historical significance. You'll stand here on the same sands where thousands of American troops bravely landed amid intense gunfire and artillery barrage. Your guide will give you a moving account of the challenges the soldiers faced during this fierce battle. As you walk the beach, take a moment to pay your respects at the memorials and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought here.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, perched on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, is a poignant and deeply moving tribute to fallen soldiers. As you wander among the rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David, you will be imbued with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Your guide will share stories about the individuals resting here and offer illuminating perspectives on the significant impact their sacrifices had on the course of history.